NASSAU, Bahamas, Sept 1, CMC – The new academic term got underway here on Monday with principals and senior administrators taking up duties following the decision of the Bahamas Education Managerial Union (BEMU) to call of the industrial action.
BEMU members had walked off their jobs after voting not to return until the Ministry of Education resolved long-standing disputes over allowances, promotions, and transfers.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, said that it recognises the union “as a valued partner in the stewardship of our education system” and that “at every stage, the ministry, has remained engaged in dialogue, committed to resolution and guided by the principal that lasting progress is built through partnerships rather than division”.
It said that its approach to the situation has been shaped by values that are central to public service and that ‘we believe in fairness, ensuring that officers receive what is due to them.
“We believe in transparency providing clear timelines and updates on the issued raised.. We believe in respect, treating educators and administrators not as adversaries but as colleagues whose contributions sustain the system and serve our nation’s children”.
The union, which represents an estimated 490 members and holds a strike certificate from May, said the government repeatedly promised to address concerns but failed to deliver before orientation week, when administrators normally assign classes and prepare schools for students.
BEMU president Stephen McPhee has credited recent commitments from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Labour Relations Unit for moving discussions forward, noting that the union received an agreement from officials proposed in good faith to get members back to work.
But he warned that several schools lack principals or vice principals .
“Schools cannot run and open without a principal,” McPhee said, adding that at least 11 administrators are awaiting transfers to fill key posts by Monday, while also criticising the ministry’s practice of appointing “teacher principals” in schools with fewer than 100 students instead of filling vacancies through the Public Service Commission.
McPhee said negotiations last week had addressed several outstanding issues and that about 70 per cent of allowances owed to members have been paid, with full settlement expected later this week.
BEMU president said also that the union received assurances that schools will soon be staffed with resource officers, security guards, and crossing guards to improve safety.
But he said on the issue of promotions, there are dozens of cases dating back as far as 2010 remain unresolved and that the union is asking the Ministry of Education that once someone qualifies for a promotion, to simply send a recommendation letter to the Public Service.
McPhee defended the union’s position saying it has acted in good faith and that its members were not trying to punish parents or students.
“I heard the cry about, why are they doing this now? We’ve been doing this one from 2010. We don’t go home for summer breaks, so we’re not returning from a summer break and trying to punish any parent or student.
“Most of us have children who are going to the government schools on Monday, so we’d even be fools if we were that crazy to punish ourselves,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said the reopening of some schools on Monday had been postponed due to the ongoing electricity outage in Central Andros.
“At this time it is anticipated that regular school operations will resume for the affected institutions on September 2, 2025,” the ministry said, adding it is working closely with the Bahamas Power and Light “to monitor the situation and will provide updates as additional information become available”.
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